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- 1Russia intensifies strikes on Ukraine as top steelmaker halts▼Russia scales up strikes on Ukraine as largest steelmaker halts operations
Russia has escalated its missile and drone strikes across Ukraine while Metinvest, the country's largest steelmaker, has halted operations at a key facility following damage from attacks. The twin developments underline mounting pressure on Ukraine's energy and industrial infrastructure as the war grinds on, drawing international concern and renewed calls for air defense support.
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Reports from Gaza indicate the death toll continues to climb as the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists. The exact figures vary between sources, but aid agencies and health officials warn the humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with casualties mounting among civilians and severe shortages of food, water and medical supplies across the territory.
- 3Global temperatures hit record highs as El Niño strengthens▼Global temperatures hit record highs as El Niño strengthens: Report
A new report says global temperatures have reached record highs as the El Niño climate pattern strengthens in the Pacific. El Niño, which warms ocean surface waters and alters weather worldwide, is adding to the underlying warming trend driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists warn the combination could push average temperatures to new extremes in the coming months, with implications for heatwaves, droughts and storms across many regions.
- 4Russian strikes on Ukraine kill five, including in Kyiv●Russian strikes on Ukraine kill 5, including in Kyiv
Russian strikes across Ukraine have killed five people, including residents of the capital Kyiv. The attacks hit multiple locations, adding to the civilian toll of the war, which continues despite ongoing international efforts to push toward a ceasefire or peace negotiations.
- 5Strikes kill six in Ukraine after Moscow rejects de-escalation calls▼Strikes kill 6 in Ukraine after Moscow rejects German calls to de-escalate
Russian strikes killed six people in Ukraine, coming hours after Moscow rejected German calls to de-escalate the conflict. The deaths underscore the continued intensity of attacks on Ukrainian territory despite diplomatic pressure from Berlin. With no sign Moscow is softening its position, European allies face mounting difficulty in pushing toward negotiations, and attention is turning to what further diplomatic or military responses the West may pursue.
- 6Analysts weigh substance versus spectacle at Trump-Xi summit▼Diplomacy or ‘diplotainment’? Key takeaways from the Trump-Xi summit in Washington
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in Washington for a summit that has drawn criticism over whether it produced real diplomatic results or served mainly as political theatre. Commentators have dubbed the spectacle 'diplotainment', questioning whether headline-grabbing moments masked a lack of concrete agreements. Observers are parsing the outcomes for signals on trade, technology and broader US-China relations.
- 7Russian strikes across Ukraine, including Kyiv, kill eight▼Russian strikes on Ukraine, including Kyiv, kill 8
Russian missile and drone strikes hit multiple Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, killing at least eight people. Emergency services worked at impact sites as officials reported damage to residential areas and infrastructure. The attack is part of the sustained aerial campaign Russia has carried out against Ukrainian cities throughout the war.
- 8Ukraine says it is ready for ceasefire 'right now'▼Ukraine's FM: Ukraine ready for ceasefire 'right now'
Ukraine's foreign minister has declared that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire 'right now', according to DW. The statement underscores Kyiv's position amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia. It signals openness to an immediate halt in fighting, keeping pressure on Moscow and international mediators as discussions about peace negotiations continue.
- 9Qatari PM calls Netanyahu biggest obstacle to Gaza peace plan▼Qatari PM says Netanyahu is ‘biggest obstacle’ to fulfilling Gaza peace plan
Qatar's Prime Minister has accused Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu of being the biggest obstacle to implementing the Gaza peace plan. The charge, carried by the Times of Israel, underlines growing friction between mediators in Doha and Israel's government over the stalled next steps of the ceasefire agreement. It highlights disputes over Israel's commitments as the plan's later phases remain unfulfilled.
- 10Kyiv Hit by Third Consecutive Night of Russian Attacks▼Ukraine War, Day 1,676: 3rd Straight Night of Russian Attacks on Kyiv
Ukraine's capital has come under Russian attack for a third consecutive night, as the war reaches its 1,676th day. The repeated overnight strikes on Kyiv underline Russia's continued campaign of long-range bombardment against Ukrainian cities, keeping air defense units active and residents in shelters. The sustained pace of attacks is drawing attention to the strain on Ukraine's defenses and civilians.
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Israeli gunfire has killed a child in Gaza, according to reporting by Middle East Eye. No further details about the incident, the child's identity, or the circumstances of the shooting are available. The death adds to the toll of child casualties in the territory amid the ongoing conflict and continued military operations there.
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Israeli forces have reportedly violated the ceasefire in Gaza, killing one Palestinian and wounding six others, according to IMEMC News. The incident adds to ongoing tensions over compliance with the truce, with reports of continued strikes and casualties in the territory despite the agreement.
- 13Japan moves to prop up the yen with US backing▼Operation Save the Yen: Japan partially turns off the cheap money tap, with a little help from its ‘American friend’
Japan is partially ending its era of ultra-cheap monetary policy in an effort to support the ailing yen, according to El País. The report frames the move as 'Operation Save the Yen' and suggests Washington's support played a role. The step marks a significant shift for the Bank of Japan after years of negative rates and massive stimulus, with markets watching closely for further tightening.
- 14Russia blames Europe for blocking Ukraine peace talks as Trump urges Zelenskyy to deal with Putin▼Russia accuses Europe of blocking Ukraine peace talks as Trump calls on Zelenskyy to "settle with Putin"
Russia has accused European governments of obstructing peace negotiations over Ukraine, while Donald Trump urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "settle" with Vladimir Putin. The statements highlight growing pressure on Kyiv to reach a deal and deepen tensions between Washington, Moscow and European allies over how to end the war.
- 15Qatar's Al Thani accuses Netanyahu government of sabotaging Gaza talks▼Qatar's Al Thani claims Netanyahu's 'far-right government' sabotaging Gaza talks
Qatar's Sheikh Al Thani has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government of deliberately undermining negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. The charge, reported by The Jerusalem Post, escalates tensions between Qatar, a key mediator alongside Egypt and the United States, and Israel, and highlights deepening frustration over stalled talks.
- 16Fresh fighting in Tigray raises fears of new Ethiopian war▼Is Ethiopia on the verge of another civil war as fighting erupts in Tigray?
Fighting has erupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region, prompting warnings that the country could slide back into civil war barely two years after the devastating conflict there ended with a 2022 peace deal. Observers are asking whether renewed clashes between forces in the region and federal authorities could unravel that agreement and reignite large-scale war.
- 17Gaza media office says 262 Palestinian journalists killed since war began▼262 Palestinian journalists killed by Israel since Gaza war: Media office
Gaza's media office says 262 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israel since the Gaza war began in October 2023, according to a report carried by Anadolu Agency. The figure underscores the toll on media workers covering the conflict, and press freedom groups have repeatedly raised concerns about reporter safety in the territory.
- 18Iran's president delivers rare wartime address at UN●Iran's president gives a rare wartime speech at the U.N.
Iran's president has given a speech at the United Nations while the country is at war, an unusually direct appearance on the world stage during an active conflict. The address is drawing attention as a sign of Iran seeking to press its case internationally at a moment of heightened regional tension.
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Russia is stepping up hybrid warfare activities beyond Ukraine, including actions that fall short of open conflict, and the escalation is causing alarm across European capitals. Reports highlight growing concern among European governments about sabotage, disinformation and other destabilising tactics spreading across the continent, prompting calls for stronger coordinated responses and defences against Moscow's broader campaign.
- 20Bill Gates warns unchecked AI could cause a billion deaths▼Bill Gates says unchecked AI could ‘cause a billion deaths’ in call for regulation
Bill Gates has warned that artificial intelligence left unregulated could 'cause a billion deaths', urging governments to put robust safeguards in place as the technology advances rapidly. The stark comments have fuelled ongoing debate over how quickly regulators should act on advanced AI and its potential risks.
- 21Iran says fully prepared for war to resume after US midterms●Iran ‘fully prepared’ for war to resume if Trump authorizes strikes after midterms
Iran says it is fully prepared for hostilities with the United States to resume if President Trump authorizes new military strikes, which it expects could come after the US midterm elections. The statement signals Tehran is bracing for a renewed confrontation and warning Washington against further escalation.
- 22Report: Netanyahu told forces to limit Gaza escalation days before Oct 7▼Days before Oct 7, PM ordered security forces to ‘minimize escalation’ in Gaza – report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered security forces to 'minimize escalation' in Gaza just days before Hamas launched the October 7 attacks. The report has reignited debate over whether political considerations shaped Israel's security posture ahead of the assault, fueling ongoing controversy over failures leading up to the deadliest day in the country's history.
- 23Gaza death toll surpasses 74,000 as Israeli strikes continue▼Israeli strikes kill Palestinians as Gaza death toll surpasses 74000
Israeli strikes killed more Palestinians in Gaza as the territory's death toll rose above 74,000, according to the reported figures. The continuing casualties underscore the scale of the conflict, which has drawn ongoing international concern and calls for a ceasefire, with aid agencies warning of a worsening humanitarian situation across the enclave.
- 24US UN ambassador says Iran not negotiating in good faith●UN ambassador Waltz says Iran was not negotiating ‘in good faith’ to end war
Mike Waltz, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, said Iran was not negotiating 'in good faith' to end the war. The remark came as diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict continued, and it signals Washington's assessment that Tehran was stalling rather than genuinely seeking a settlement at the negotiating table.
- 25China and U.S. agree to establish AI safety channel▼China and U.S. agree to establish AI safety channel and continue trade and military talks
China and the United States have agreed to establish a dedicated channel on artificial intelligence safety, while committing to continue ongoing talks on trade and military matters. The agreement extends a series of dialogue efforts between the two powers, aiming to reduce risks in emerging technology and keep diplomatic engagement moving despite persistent tensions over commerce and security.
- 26Russian Strikes Kill Four in Ukraine, Hit Kyiv Data Center▼Russian Strikes Kill Four in Ukraine, Damage Kyiv Data Center
Russian strikes across Ukraine killed four people and damaged a data center in Kyiv, according to Bloomberg reporting. The attack adds to a pattern of aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities, with infrastructure damage highlighting the war's continuing toll on civilian systems.
- 27First Germany-Russia talks since Ukraine invasion▼First Germany-Russia talks since Moscow's Ukraine invasion
Germany and Russia have held their first direct talks since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The resumption of contact between Berlin and Moscow marks a notable diplomatic shift, coming as debate grows in Germany and across Europe over how to approach Russia diplomatically. Details of what was discussed and any outcomes remain limited so far.
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The World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two new health zones, raising concerns that efforts to contain the virus are not holding. Health authorities are expected to step up contact tracing, surveillance and response measures in the newly affected areas as the WHO and partners work to prevent further geographic spread of the outbreak.
- 29Russia says it struck military infrastructure and vessels in Ukraine▼Russia says it struck military infrastructure, vessels in Ukraine
Russia's defence ministry said its forces carried out strikes on military infrastructure and vessels in Ukraine. The claim, reported by Reuters and other international outlets, comes as the war continues with both sides exchanging long-range attacks. Ukraine has not confirmed the specific targets, and independent verification of the strikes and their impact remains limited.
- 30Ethiopia slides back into war: who is involved and why▼Ethiopia slides back into war. Who is involved and why?
Reporting indicates Ethiopia is sliding back into war, renewing concern about renewed large-scale conflict in the country. Observers are asking which armed and political actors are involved and what is driving the escalation. Details on the parties, causes and scale of the fighting remain unclear from current coverage.
- 31Fed's Barr Signals More Rate Hikes Needed to Tame Inflation▼Fed’s Barr Says More Rate Hikes Likely Needed to Return Inflation to Target
Federal Reserve official Michael Barr said additional interest rate increases are likely needed to bring inflation back to the central bank's target. The remarks add to signals from Fed policymakers that monetary policy may stay restrictive, keeping attention on upcoming inflation data and the outlook for future rate decisions.
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Saudi Arabia has signalled it would be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to reports carried by major US outlets including The New York Times and The Seattle Times. The remarks raise fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and about Riyadh's nuclear ambitions at a time of ongoing regional tensions and talks over normalisation and security guarantees with Washington.
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Commentary published by Asharq Al-Awsat and Arab News examines why ceasefire agreements reached in Jeddah between Sudan's warring army and the Rapid Support Forces have repeatedly failed, and how the issue has moved to the diplomatic stage in New York. The pieces argue that successive truces have not held, leaving Sudan's civil war grinding on despite international mediation efforts.
- 34Zelenskyy: Russia launched over 2,200 drones at Ukraine in a week▼Zelenskyy says Russia launched over 2,200 drones at Ukraine in a week
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia fired more than 2,200 drones at Ukraine over the past week, underlining the scale of Moscow's escalating aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The claim highlights growing pressure on Ukraine's air defenses and renewed international concern over the pace of Russian drone attacks in the war.
- 35Israeli minister Smotrich calls for war in West Bank▼Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich calls for war in occupied West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly called for war in the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera. The statement from a senior member of Israel's government drew immediate attention, with critics warning it escalates rhetoric over Israel's conduct in Palestinian territories amid ongoing tensions and military operations in the region.
- 36Russia and Ukraine trade claims of strikes on military targets▼Russia claims strikes on military targets as Ukraine says it hit drone launch site
Russia says its forces carried out strikes on Ukrainian military targets, while Ukraine reports hitting a Russian drone launch site. The duelling claims come as the war continues with both sides targeting infrastructure and military assets deep behind the front lines. Neither claim could be independently verified, and the fuller operational impact of the reported strikes remains unclear.
- 37Captor of hostage Noa Argamani killed in Gaza strikes▼Terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani into Gaza on Oct. 7 killed in weekend strikes
Israeli strikes over the weekend killed one of the militants who abducted Noa Argamani into Gaza during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. Argamani, who was rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024, became one of the most recognized faces of the hostages. News of the militant's death is drawing attention amid ongoing strikes and stalled ceasefire efforts.
- 38Report: Netanyahu told forces to ease Gaza tensions days before Oct. 7▼Days before Oct. 7, PM ordered security forces to ‘minimize escalation’ in Gaza – report
A report says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered security forces to 'minimize escalation' in Gaza just days before Hamas's October 7 attack. The claim has drawn attention amid ongoing debate over whether Israeli leadership underestimated threats from Gaza and whether earlier signals of an attack were ignored ahead of the assault.
- 39Sudan's Burhan vows to defeat RSF no matter how long it takes▼Sudan's Burhan vows to defeat RSF 'no matter how long it takes' - War in Sudan - World
Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has pledged to defeat the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, saying the military will continue its campaign 'no matter how long it takes'. The vow comes as the war between the army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, continues to devastate Sudan, displacing millions and creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
- 40Russia denies avoiding Ukraine peace negotiations▼Top Russian diplomat says Moscow remains committed to Ukraine peace talks, denies it is avoiding negotiations
A senior Russian diplomat has stated that Moscow remains committed to peace talks over Ukraine and rejected suggestions that Russia is avoiding negotiations. The statement comes as international pressure persists for a diplomatic resolution to the war, with questions over whether both sides are genuinely willing to negotiate. It highlights the ongoing dispute over responsibility for the stalled peace process.
- 41Militant behind Noa Argamani abduction reported killed in Gaza strike▼Oct. 7 terrorist involved in Noa Argamani abduction killed in Gaza strike, reports say
Israeli media report that a militant involved in the October 7 abduction of Noa Argamani has been killed in a strike in Gaza. Argamani became one of the most recognised hostages of the Hamas-led attack before being rescued in June 2024. The reported killing is being followed closely amid ongoing strikes and stalled ceasefire efforts.
- 42FAO warns 40% of Sudan's population faces severe food crisis▼40% of Sudan’s population faces severe food crisis, FAO warns
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that 40% of Sudan's population is facing a severe food crisis. The warning highlights the deepening hunger emergency gripping the country, where conflict and economic collapse have left millions unable to access adequate food. Observers say the situation is rapidly deteriorating and in urgent need of international humanitarian response.
- 43UN adds 61 firms to settlements blacklist over rights abuses▼UN adds 61 firms to settlements blacklist over alleged human rights violations against Palestinians
The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The update to the database of businesses engaged in activities in the occupied territories is expected to draw sharp reactions from Israel and its allies, while rights groups have long pressed for firms to be held accountable for operations in the settlements.
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The UN General Assembly's annual general debate has reached its fifth day in New York, with world leaders continuing to deliver set-piece speeches on global challenges. The marathon session remains the main forum for heads of state and government to set out their foreign policy positions, and UN News is providing a daily takeaway summarising the key moments and statements as the debate winds down.
- 45Trump faces Republican defections ahead of U.S.-China summit▼Week in Politics: Trump faces Republican defections; U.S.-China summit; press feud
This week in U.S. politics, President Trump is confronting growing defections from within his own Republican Party, while preparing for a summit with China. A separate feud with the press is also drawing attention. Analysts are watching whether intra-party dissent will weaken Trump's position heading into high-stakes diplomacy with Beijing.
- 46Germany and Russia hold first talks since Ukraine invasion●First Germany-Russia talks since Ukraine invasion: Why now?
Germany and Russia have held their first direct talks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The meeting marks a notable diplomatic thaw between Berlin and Moscow, prompting debate over why the contact is happening now and what it could signal for the future of the war, European security and Western policy toward Moscow.
- 47Israeli minister Smotrich calls for war in West Bank▼Israel’s Smotrich calls for ‘war’ in West Bank: Rhetoric or real threat?
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for war in the occupied West Bank, prompting debate over whether his words reflect actual policy or political rhetoric. The remarks come amid heightened Israeli military operations in the territory, and observers are weighing how far the government may act on his call and what it means for Palestinians and regional stability.
- 48Russian attacks kill eight in Ukraine as Moscow vows to fight on●Russian attacks kill eight in Ukraine after Moscow vows to continue war
Russian strikes killed at least eight people in Ukraine, coming shortly after Moscow declared its intention to press on with the war. The attacks add to a steady toll of civilian casualties and underline the absence of any breakthrough toward peace negotiations. Officials in Ukraine have repeatedly called for stronger air defences and continued Western support as Russian bombardments target populated areas.
- 49Hamas says agreed Gaza roadmap includes Palestinian statehood▼Hamas leader: Gaza roadmap we agreed to includes establishment of Palestinian state
A Hamas leader says the Gaza roadmap the group agreed to includes the establishment of a Palestinian state. The statement frames the deal as going beyond ceasefire arrangements and touching long-term political questions. Observers are weighing how the claim aligns with the terms accepted by other parties and what it signals for negotiations over Gaza's future governance.
- 50Palestinian death toll in Gaza war crosses 74,000▼Palestinian death toll in Gaza war crosses 74,000: Health Ministry
Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll from the war in Gaza has passed 74,000. The figure, released as the conflict continues, marks another grim milestone in one of the deadliest wars in recent memory. The ministry's count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and officials have warned the true toll is likely higher, with many bodies still under rubble.